Ways to participate

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In-Person (Online)
Southwest Magnet High School
Tickets
Join 300 GIDEON LEADERS (VIP)
Join 300 GIDEON LEADERS (VIP)
$300
Mountaintop Visionaries
Ambassador level — limited to 40
$500
Student Scholarships
Scholarships: suggested $100 minimum
Sponsor

About MLK40

Forty years later we gather to honor Dr. King's vision and advance the next 40 years of leadership and opportunity. MLK40 unites visionaries, influencers, and students for a day of learning, certification, and investment in the creative economy. The initiative also supports a $1,000,000 infusion to fund scholarships, NIL programs, coursework, and institutional projects.

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Event Highlights

  • MLK40 Mini-course Certification (3 modules)
  • Community leaders, students, and influencers
  • Scholarships, NIL learning & creative-economy initiatives
  • Networking & training for institutional development

The Master Class — 3-module Mini-Course

Attendees receive the MLK40 mini-course certification through three focused modules.

1. The Making of the MLK Holiday (1968—1986)

The producers of this 40th anniversary are the original producers of the first three years of the Federal Holiday in Memphis, Tennessee beginning in 1989, from the Orpheum Theatre. The presentation included the 1992, Opening Tribute for the National Civil Rights Museum. The tributes featured Martin Luther King, III, Rev. Dr. E.V. Hill, Rev. Clifton Davis, and other notables. Since then, the producers have gone on to producing national tributes across the nation including over 10 tributes at the MLK Memorial in collaboration with the MLK Memorial Foundation.

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2. The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America

A frank look at economic, social, and institutional costs — and strategies for optimizing individual and community value.

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3. Our Move Now: Careers, Wealth, Institutions & Programs

Practical paths: careers, wealth creation, building institutions and programs that last for future generations.

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Featured Speakers & Leaders

Executive Producers: Terence Bolden, Jay Young, and Pastor Charles Johnson.

50th Anniversary dedication at the MLK Memorial in DC

Rev. Dr. Stephon Ferguson (on the left) is the only licensed person by the King Family to do the speeches of Rev. Dr. King. Rev. Arthur L. Hunt, Jr., is the Publisher of the first and only Bible honoring the genesis of King's Calling.

The Bible was dedicated on the 50th Anniversary of Rev. King’s final prophecy and ultimate assassination (1968—2018) on April 3-4, 2018, at the MLK Memorial in DC on the National Mall. Hosted in part by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, a delegation of dignitaries honored the work of Rev. Dr. King as to the genesis of his calling as a Biblical Rights Leader.

Shawn D. Rochester

Author, educator, and thought leader on Black wealth creation and professional development.

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Event Banner — Original Producers Head to Arkansas

Original producers of the first 40 years of the MLK Holiday are headed to Arkansas to begin the next 40 years.

Read more on the event site via the "Get Tickets" button.

More Speakers TBA — The Huddle: WE GOT NOW National Tour

Full speaker roster and bios are posted on the event site.

Event Schedule (Day-of)

Event runs 12:00–3:00 PM CST. Detailed session times and breakout schedule are available via the event site.

12:00 PM — Doors open / check-in
12:30 PM — Opening remarks & keynote
1:00 PM — Module sessions / panels
2:15 PM — Closing conversation & next steps
3:00 PM — Book signing by Shawn D. Rochester

Registration Notes

Tickets, VIPs, ambassador passes, and student scholarship sponsorships are managed through the event portal. Use the "Get Tickets" button in the header or the links below.

Event Site

FAQ

Where is the event?
Southwest Magnet High School, 9715 Mabelvale Pike, Mabelvale, AR 72103 — Little Rock, AR.
When is the event?
Sat, Jan 17, 2026 • 12:00 PM — 3:00 PM CST.
Can I buy tickets here?
Tickets and donations are handled on the event site. Use the "Get Tickets" button to open the ticket portal in a new tab.
How do I sponsor or donate?
Use the Donate / Sponsor link above. For sponsor packages and placement info, contact the hosts directly.
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